Depression. What is the right answer?!
Question: Depression. What is the right answer.?
It's not clinically proven, but i feel like i have extreme depression. i've looked up faqs online and all signs point to extreme depression. i wake up every morning hating myself because i feel like i'm horrible at everything. during school i feel like everyone is constantly judging me and constantly thinking negative towards me. every little thing i do wrong i feel like killing myself. i've battled this horrible problem for a few years now, and lately it seems to be getting worse and worse every day. i'm afraid i may not be able to handle it soon and lose control. i did have a girlfriend for about 8 months. she was extremely supportive, but finally she couldn't take it anymore. she felt like i was getting no where in life and that she just couldn't handle my constant sadness and bad moods. my parents don't believe that i'm depressed, and they just say to look at the good things in life. the problem is, there are no good things in my life. yeah i live in a great neighborhood and have great friends, but lately i feel like none of that matters. i cut myself about once a week, with whatever sharp object i can find. i've stopped caring about almost everything, my grades are quickly dropping, and i don't know what to do. psychiatric help has never helped me, and neither have my friends and family. i refuse to take medication because i do not want to feel like i have a serious disease or something. someone please help me before i go insane.Health Question & Answer
Answers:
Ask yourself: "Why do I feel depressed, and when did I first start to feel this way: can I associate this with any recent change in my life.?" (if so, it is probably situational depression: counselling, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is indicated). Or, was it a more gradual thing, with no apparent cause.? (nutritional deficiencies, hypothyroidism, environmental toxicity, or reactions to some medications, etc., becomes more likely as the cause). Antidepressants work quicker than the following; 2 - 6 weeks, but you may have to adjust dosage, or types, whereas St. John's wort is effective for most people, tolerance doesn't develop, and the few side effects don't occur often, and even then are normally not severe.
It doesn't cause sleeping problems, or weight change, but usually takes at least 2, and generally 4 - 6 weeks to become effective, but can work quicker than antidepressants, sometimes. A recent, independent German double blind study showed it to be as effective as Sertraline (marketed in the USA as Zoloft: a commonly prescribed antidepressant) in cases of major depression, with far fewer side effects, and those were generally better tolerated, with a lower rate of discontinuation. Unlike antidepressants, where sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, it happens much more rarely with St. John's wort (I have noticed no effect in this area). Remember back to a time when life was full of promise, or a day when you felt particularly good, or possibly excited from a good result. Emotional states are associated with memories, and if it isn't major depression, this method can help. A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not St. John's wort, because of interactions, and it's sensible to check out anything else first with your doctor.
(1.) Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; a deficiency in vitamin B9 (folic acid, or folate) is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. Depressed females using the contraceptive pill may benefit from vitamin B6 supplements. ~~~ (2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes minutes of exercise, daily, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly. Too much exercise can cause stress, which isn't wanted when dealing with depression. ~~~ (3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain).
(4.) Use daily, a relaxation method* and/or yoga*, and/or Tai Chi. ~~~ (5.) Initially, at least, some form of counselling, preferably either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy. ~~~ (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule. ~~~ (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (get a German variety, if possible; local ones may vary in effectiveness) or supplements, such as SAMe, or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55).
If 5HTP is used to boost serotonin levels, (which are low in depressed people) it is best taken with a high carbohydrate, minimal protein meal, like pasta, with tomato & basil, and avoid protein for 90 minutes, before, and after, to maximise the amount crossing the blood/brain barrier. also, 80% of people in the Western world have low magnesium levels, and these are known to cause depression & anxiety. Try the magnesium supplement types shown in http://www.real-depression-help.com/ Some of these will be available in pharmacies, or supermarkets. Low levels of calcium, and potassium can also cause depression. Have your blood tested, and correct any deficiencies, preferably through improved nutrition.
An improvement can be noticed in as little as a week, if a deficiency is the cause. also, iodised salt is much preferable to regular salt (one of the treatments in books on depression is iodine drops). Try to imagine, as vividly as possible, a time in the not too distant future, when you have overcome this temporary setback, and things are much better. *View section 2, on the first 3 pages, and also pages R, C, I, and section 11, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris also teen depression & male depression and the rest. Self harm: see section 16. Suicidal thoughts: section 5; use the hotlines.Health Question & Answer
It doesn't cause sleeping problems, or weight change, but usually takes at least 2, and generally 4 - 6 weeks to become effective, but can work quicker than antidepressants, sometimes. A recent, independent German double blind study showed it to be as effective as Sertraline (marketed in the USA as Zoloft: a commonly prescribed antidepressant) in cases of major depression, with far fewer side effects, and those were generally better tolerated, with a lower rate of discontinuation. Unlike antidepressants, where sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, it happens much more rarely with St. John's wort (I have noticed no effect in this area). Remember back to a time when life was full of promise, or a day when you felt particularly good, or possibly excited from a good result. Emotional states are associated with memories, and if it isn't major depression, this method can help. A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not St. John's wort, because of interactions, and it's sensible to check out anything else first with your doctor.
(1.) Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; a deficiency in vitamin B9 (folic acid, or folate) is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. Depressed females using the contraceptive pill may benefit from vitamin B6 supplements. ~~~ (2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes minutes of exercise, daily, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly. Too much exercise can cause stress, which isn't wanted when dealing with depression. ~~~ (3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain).
(4.) Use daily, a relaxation method* and/or yoga*, and/or Tai Chi. ~~~ (5.) Initially, at least, some form of counselling, preferably either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy. ~~~ (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule. ~~~ (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (get a German variety, if possible; local ones may vary in effectiveness) or supplements, such as SAMe, or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55).
If 5HTP is used to boost serotonin levels, (which are low in depressed people) it is best taken with a high carbohydrate, minimal protein meal, like pasta, with tomato & basil, and avoid protein for 90 minutes, before, and after, to maximise the amount crossing the blood/brain barrier. also, 80% of people in the Western world have low magnesium levels, and these are known to cause depression & anxiety. Try the magnesium supplement types shown in http://www.real-depression-help.com/ Some of these will be available in pharmacies, or supermarkets. Low levels of calcium, and potassium can also cause depression. Have your blood tested, and correct any deficiencies, preferably through improved nutrition.
An improvement can be noticed in as little as a week, if a deficiency is the cause. also, iodised salt is much preferable to regular salt (one of the treatments in books on depression is iodine drops). Try to imagine, as vividly as possible, a time in the not too distant future, when you have overcome this temporary setback, and things are much better. *View section 2, on the first 3 pages, and also pages R, C, I, and section 11, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris also teen depression & male depression and the rest. Self harm: see section 16. Suicidal thoughts: section 5; use the hotlines.Health Question & Answer
How about you grow some balls and see a doctor. Your like a broken record to your friends. Seek help if you think you have a problem or maybe you like being so hateful all the time. Does it make you feel different maybe creative.
Go see a doctor - Trust me - talk about you **** to a pro but dont get hooked in meds.
Health Question & Answer
Go see a doctor - Trust me - talk about you **** to a pro but dont get hooked in meds.
Health Question & Answer
do something that makes u happy!!! go 2 a theme park every other day, make new friends, don't think about sadness and pain, think about FUN AND HAVING A LIFE!!!
Just remember DO NOT BECOME EMO OR GO SUICIDAL!!!
Health Question & Answer
Just remember DO NOT BECOME EMO OR GO SUICIDAL!!!
Health Question & Answer
1 800 273 TALKHealth Question & Answer
if you are against medication then you're never going to start feeling any different. what you explained means that you do have a chemical imbalance in your brain. that's what's causing the depression. medical treatment, when done right, will balance out the chemicals in your brain. so do not limit different solutions until you've tried them.
and that excuse for not taking medication, its not a good one. dont be afraid to try meds, they can help a lot. Health Question & Answer
and that excuse for not taking medication, its not a good one. dont be afraid to try meds, they can help a lot. Health Question & Answer
Ok, several things.
Whether or not you want to "feel" like you have a serious disease or not, you very well might have it. So if you do indeed have depression, which is what your symptoms are pointing to, I would recommend talk therapy to help you discover "why am I feeling like this", and "what can I do about it".
If you do not have health insurance, or don't want to get your parents involved, try contacting the Dept. of Children and Families in your town. They offer counseling free of charge, as much as you need. They can also get you in touch with doctors if you feel you need it at any point.
One last thing about the medicine, if you have depression or a personality disorder and refuse medication, it's kind of like a person with diabetes refusing to take insulin. Mental illness is a result of a chemical imbalance, and meds have the power to restore the proper balance without affecting who you truly are.
Best of luck, and I really hope you will become proactive on this.Health Question & Answer
Whether or not you want to "feel" like you have a serious disease or not, you very well might have it. So if you do indeed have depression, which is what your symptoms are pointing to, I would recommend talk therapy to help you discover "why am I feeling like this", and "what can I do about it".
If you do not have health insurance, or don't want to get your parents involved, try contacting the Dept. of Children and Families in your town. They offer counseling free of charge, as much as you need. They can also get you in touch with doctors if you feel you need it at any point.
One last thing about the medicine, if you have depression or a personality disorder and refuse medication, it's kind of like a person with diabetes refusing to take insulin. Mental illness is a result of a chemical imbalance, and meds have the power to restore the proper balance without affecting who you truly are.
Best of luck, and I really hope you will become proactive on this.Health Question & Answer
Medication is not always the right choice, professional help is limited, unless you find the right person. I have been through this as well, when I was much younger. The thing that I am interested in knowing is what makes you feel this way.? How was your childhood.? You say you have great friends and line in a great place.? I guess I want to know what makes you happy.? I Surround myself with things that help to keep me happy and relaxed. You need to find something to help you as well! For me its my fish, I collect mineral specimens, gems, and I have two children to keep me plenty busy!! I think most people can help them selves, I did. Please don't give up thing will get better! If you need to talk more, email me! I have a young daughter going through some of these things right now! Take care!Health Question & Answer
ok
so i did try to commit suicide in february of this year
i was almost successful
i started having seizures and my mother had to do CPR on her dying child, as my father fumbled on the phone trying to dial 911 to tell them his daughter was dying in front of his eyes
it was a hellish night
i cant say im glad i didnt die...to this die i wish i was successful
i think thats another thing i failed at
i got sent away for 4 months up to utah because of it, temporary fix, but not permanent
i too had a boyfriend for 8 months, but finally after calling the ambulance on me a few times to save my life he finally had enough
and i too do not want to take medication...but i am on two meds right now, working extremely well actually.
one is for the way i think, and the other is for mood stabilization...im diagnosed with severe depression and borderline personality disorder.
dont be afraid of meds. they sound like they could be your last resort. dont fight it. its just like being a diabetic..they dont want to take insulan or poke themselves, but they have to to stay alive, just like us we have to take the meds to feel normal...theres a chemical inbalance in our brains.
and tell you parents to wisen up. would they rather find you dead in the bathroom floor with an empty bottle of pills, or would they rather get you help, and avoid losing their son
honestly, my advice is to please just get through this...things may get better, they may stay shitty, but please, i beg you, just give it a chance
try the medication, try therapy...even though they dont help me for ****...ha
and try life
give it a try
your gonna die someday
dont make it todayHealth Question & Answer
so i did try to commit suicide in february of this year
i was almost successful
i started having seizures and my mother had to do CPR on her dying child, as my father fumbled on the phone trying to dial 911 to tell them his daughter was dying in front of his eyes
it was a hellish night
i cant say im glad i didnt die...to this die i wish i was successful
i think thats another thing i failed at
i got sent away for 4 months up to utah because of it, temporary fix, but not permanent
i too had a boyfriend for 8 months, but finally after calling the ambulance on me a few times to save my life he finally had enough
and i too do not want to take medication...but i am on two meds right now, working extremely well actually.
one is for the way i think, and the other is for mood stabilization...im diagnosed with severe depression and borderline personality disorder.
dont be afraid of meds. they sound like they could be your last resort. dont fight it. its just like being a diabetic..they dont want to take insulan or poke themselves, but they have to to stay alive, just like us we have to take the meds to feel normal...theres a chemical inbalance in our brains.
and tell you parents to wisen up. would they rather find you dead in the bathroom floor with an empty bottle of pills, or would they rather get you help, and avoid losing their son
honestly, my advice is to please just get through this...things may get better, they may stay shitty, but please, i beg you, just give it a chance
try the medication, try therapy...even though they dont help me for ****...ha
and try life
give it a try
your gonna die someday
dont make it todayHealth Question & Answer
make a list of everything thats good in your life. you said there is nothing, but there has to be SOMETHING.
then go through the list and think of what you would be losing if you werent here anymore. think about how the people in your life would react if you followed through with this.
think of a really happy memory. any memory that has changed your life. any memory that made you feel very happy inside. any memory that no matter what, you wont forget. any memory that you couldnt stop thinking about once it happened. it can be anything at all.
and everytime these terrible thoughts rise up inside your head, forget EVERYTHING, lie on your bed, and think about that memory.
think about how if you committed suicide, how you would never be able to relive that memory inside your head ever again.
give yourself a reason to live. that is basically all you have left as an option.
and if you cant find any reason at all, think of the tiniest thing. the littlest thing you can think of.
that can be your reason.
be outgoing. make friends. ditch your old ones if theyre going to laugh at you. REAL friends dont do that.
BE HAPPY. think about that memory all day, just to make you happy. stop thinking youre worthless, you arent. god made a plan for everyone.
instead of releasing anger and depression by cutting yourself, go outside and run. just run to wherever, and it doesnt matter how long it takes.
dont take music or anyone with you. just run.
but when you cant run, scream into your pillow. it helps ive done it.
ask yourself why youre sad.? think about how you can make it better and try one step everyday.
assuming youre young, you have all your life to live.
you dont want to miss out on anything thats meant to happen. just pray.
and lastly, if this all doesnt work, please talk to someone. even though you may not think it would work, it will.
this may not be the best advice, as ive never had to go through this. im sorry that you have to go through this though. i tried by best though.
i want you to know someone in the world is thinking about you.
and that should be a reason to live.Health Question & Answer
then go through the list and think of what you would be losing if you werent here anymore. think about how the people in your life would react if you followed through with this.
think of a really happy memory. any memory that has changed your life. any memory that made you feel very happy inside. any memory that no matter what, you wont forget. any memory that you couldnt stop thinking about once it happened. it can be anything at all.
and everytime these terrible thoughts rise up inside your head, forget EVERYTHING, lie on your bed, and think about that memory.
think about how if you committed suicide, how you would never be able to relive that memory inside your head ever again.
give yourself a reason to live. that is basically all you have left as an option.
and if you cant find any reason at all, think of the tiniest thing. the littlest thing you can think of.
that can be your reason.
be outgoing. make friends. ditch your old ones if theyre going to laugh at you. REAL friends dont do that.
BE HAPPY. think about that memory all day, just to make you happy. stop thinking youre worthless, you arent. god made a plan for everyone.
instead of releasing anger and depression by cutting yourself, go outside and run. just run to wherever, and it doesnt matter how long it takes.
dont take music or anyone with you. just run.
but when you cant run, scream into your pillow. it helps ive done it.
ask yourself why youre sad.? think about how you can make it better and try one step everyday.
assuming youre young, you have all your life to live.
you dont want to miss out on anything thats meant to happen. just pray.
and lastly, if this all doesnt work, please talk to someone. even though you may not think it would work, it will.
this may not be the best advice, as ive never had to go through this. im sorry that you have to go through this though. i tried by best though.
i want you to know someone in the world is thinking about you.
and that should be a reason to live.Health Question & Answer